Question: “I work for a small hospital where I have been treated quite unfairly. For example, I am the only person in my department who has to carry a beeper, because I live nearby and can get here quickly... I was also repeatedly denied overtime pay until...

Question: “When I was hired six months ago, I tried to negotiate my salary. My manager said pay was not negotiable, but I have since learned that this is not true. Recently, another person was offered the same position and initially turned it down. I know for a fact that human resources negotiated her pay...

Question: “I recently learned that my manager may be planning to replace me. I work for an art museum and am very active in my professional association. A fellow member called to inquire about an opening here after he saw an ad on the association website. I told him that I wasn’t aware of any vacancies, but when I looked up the ad, I essentially found my own job description under a different title. The address for responding is our museum. Although no one has mentioned any problems with my performance, I am apparently in danger of being fired. I can’t believe my boss thought I wouldn’t find out about this. Should I talk to him? Or should I just apply for my own job? —Betrayed

Question: “I work for an attorney who makes me feel like an idiot. He is a former Marine who still has a drill sergeant mentality. His comments are so cutting that I constantly feel defeated and inadequate. His law partners know he’s difficult, but won’t do anything because he’s one hell of a lawyer..."

Question: "One of my co-workers always has bruises on her arms. She says that these are from insulin injections, but I have long suspected she has a drug problem. Recently, she stopped driving her car to work. She told me she received a DUI, but the public record says she was arrested for possession of narcotics..."

Question: “I recently lost a job after six months because management said I was a ‘mismatch.’ Although I found another job immediately, it is not something I want to do long-term. I like my supervisor and co-workers, but I don’t enjoy the work...

Question: Two of my female co-workers have management wrapped around their little fingers. These women have been here much longer than I have, but my qualifications and experience are twice as good. However, I recently discovered that my salary is a lot lower. Although my supervisor’s boss says that I am management material, my supervisor treats me no differently than my complacent co-workers. After receiving an excellent performance review, I was dismayed to learn that he gave them the same rating...

Question: “My previous manager was very supportive and a truly incredible leader. When she was promoted to a higher position, one of my co-workers replaced her. In the past, this person hardly ever spoke to me. Now she is taking the term “boss” to a whole new scary level. After asking each of us what we liked and disliked, she has taken away most of the “likes”...

Question: “I’m concerned that I may be a victim of discrimination. After joining this firm a year ago, I was recently approached about taking a new position in another department. My current boss supported this move.The other manager and I discussed my transfer numerous times. He told his superiors that I was his candidate of choice. He said the job description would be built around my qualifications and that he would only interview others as a token. Now his total support seems to have faded. Although the position requisition was approved several weeks ago, I have heard nothing more about a transfer. I’m wondering if my age may be an issue. In the past three months, both managers have asked my age, which is 58. Their questions came up in casual conversation, unrelated to work, but it makes me suspicious. What’s your opinion? —Mistrustful

Question: “I have been fired from almost every job I have ever had. I’m 22 years old and have been working since I was 16. I see a pattern in my behavior, but don’t know how to change it. As soon as I’m comfortable in a job, my emotional needs take over, and I involve everyone in my issues. Although I’m not a complainer, I seem to need a lot of attention. I did have a rough childhood, but I’m a smart person. I know what I’m doing when I’m doing it. I just can’t seem to stop. Do you have any advice?” —Desperate